At Jawlong's House
Mrs. Nuwa: "Jawlong…"
Jawlong Hua: "Yes, Mom?"
Mrs. Nuwa: "Can you call Xiuying?"
She was seated on the sofa, listening to the afternoon news on the TV.
Jawlong Hua: "Why, Mom? It's the weekend."
Mrs. Nuwa: "I know. But she has a document I need today."
Jawlong Hua "Alright. I'll call her."
He couldn't hide the small smile tugging at his lips. Just as he reached for his phone—
Xiao Xiuying: "Mrs. Chairwoman…"
They both looked up.
Mrs. Nuwa: "Oh? You're already here."
Xiao Xiuying: "Yes. I finished the work early. Since tomorrow is the meeting, I brought the documents today."
She handed the file to Mrs. Nuwa. Jawlong's eyes stayed glued to her, making her uneasy. While Mrs. Nuwa flipped through the papers the news played in the background.
On the TV
Newsreader: "We've just received confirmation that a nuclear formula has been stolen from the National Research Lab. The suspect remains unidentified as his face was not captured by the cameras. This case has now been assigned to Officer Liu Xiatian. More updates will follow."
The moment Xiuying heard the news, her expression changed sharply.
Her phone rang.
Xiao Xiuying: "Hello… yes, I'm coming."
She hung up.
Xiao Xiuying: "Mrs. Chairwoman, I have something urgent to handle. I'll take my leave."
Mrs. Nuwa: "Alright."
Xiuying rushed out. Jawlong's eyes followed her, troubled. Something happened…
She looked terrified the moment she heard the news.
A flicker of memory flashed in his mind — her uneasy expression, the fear she tried to hide.
Behind the Scenes — Crime Division
Shangguan: "Hello."
Man in Black: "Is it done?"
Shangguan: "Yes, boss."
Man in Black: "Well done."
Shangguan: "What should we do with the formula now?"
Man in Black: "Hide it for a while. I'll give further orders later."
Shangguan: "Yes, boss. And… Plan B?"
Man in Black: "It's not ready?"
Shangguan: "It'll take some time."
Man in Black: "No problem."
He hung up, then burst into chilling laughter.
"Hahahahaha…"
At Xiao Xiuying's House
Xiuying rushed inside.
Xiao Xiuying: "Mom? Mom, where are you?!"
Aunty Song: "Miss, you're back?"
Xiao Xiuying: "Yes. Where's my mother?"
Aunty Song hesitated.
Aunty Song: "You returned late… she fainted. They took her to the hospital."
Xiuying froze for half a second—then ran out.
Central Hospital
She ran to the reception desk.
Xiao Xiuying: "Please! My mother—Xiao Lusi—where is she admitted?"
Receptionist: "And you are?"
Xiao Xiuying: "I'm her daughter, Xiao Xiuying."
Receptionist: "Room 245."
Xiao Xiuying: "Thank you!"
She sprinted down the hallway.
Room 245
Mrs. Lusi was lying unconscious on the bed.
Xiao Xiuying: "Mom!"
She rushed to her side.
Doctor Li Shu was checking her vitals calmly. After examining her, the doctor turned.
Xiao Xiuying: "Doctor… how is my mother?"
Doctor Li Shu: "She's fine."
Xiao Xiuying: "What happened?"
Doctor Li Shu: "Nothing serious. She fainted from exhaustion. A few days of rest and she'll be alright."
Doctor Li Shu walked out of the room, but her expression shifted.
Doctor Li Shu (inner voice): She doesn't recognize me…?
Princess Li Long — in her human disguise — remained standing in the corridor, looking troubled.
Sunday — At Shine On
Mrs. Nuwa: "Why hasn't Xiuying come yet?"
Deng Min Chi: "She's on leave. Her mother was hospitalized."
Mrs. Nuwa: "…I see."
To be continued.